Top 14 Questions - How to Take Care of Your Cat During the Pandemic
by Alen Georgescu on Apr 27 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges in human history. Social distancing has become a means of fighting the spread of the new type of coronavirus, therefore, you are forced to find solutions for every situation, staying safe at home, and caring for your cat is no exception.
How do you feed your cat correctly, especially if you've never had a pet before? How do you teach it to use the litter box? How do you manage unpleasant situations, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin itching? How do you recognize the signs of poisoning in cats? These are some of the most important questions we will answer below, so that you can properly care for your four-legged friend, in safe conditions.
- Your first cat - how to care for it correctly
- How to feed your cat correctly
- How to identify and manage health problems
- Cat behavior - how to get along well with it
Your first cat - how to care for it correctly
If you've never had a cat before, it might seem harder than ever to care for it, especially when you can't just rush to the vet's office if something is wrong. This is even more true if you're caring for a kitten. However, things are not that difficult to manage if you follow some expert recommendations, such as those below. Moreover, during this pandemic period, you have access to online appointments with specialist doctors, so you can get the support you need as quickly as possible. You don't have to worry about food either. Now, you can order the necessary products online and have them delivered to your home, safely.
How to care for a kitten
Kittens are absolutely adorable, and it's no wonder you'd want them to stay that way. However, caring for them can be a difficult challenge, especially when you need to maintain social distancing and can't really leave the house. But we're here to help with some recommendations:
- check the kitten's age - if you adopted the kitten from an authorized shelter, then it's around 10 weeks old, because this is the minimum standard age when it can be given for care; kittens are very sensitive in the first weeks of life, and especially if they don't receive their mother's attention, they require special care; age is important to know what kind of food to give it and if it's the right time for spaying or neutering;
- consult a veterinarian - get basic information from the veterinarian, such as managing internal and external parasites, how to introduce the kitten to other animals in the house, if you have any, and when vaccinations should be given;
- create an emotional bond with it - like any young animal, it needs to feel safe; play with it at least once a day, let it explore the rooms, and get familiar with the environment it will live in;
- prepare a dedicated space for it - get it a basket where only it can stay, toys that only it can use; don't place the litter box near the food bowl, because cats don't tolerate this; monitor its behavior and observe any signs that something might be wrong with it.
When to spay a female cat or neuter a male cat
WebMD experts say there are three options regarding sterilization:
- early spaying/neutering - the procedure is done at 6-8 weeks;
- standard spaying/neutering - at 5-6 months;
- wait until after the first heat cycle - somewhere between 8 and 12 months.
One of the controversial topics related to spaying female cats or neutering male cats is weight gain. Keep in mind that the operation itself is not the cause of this phenomenon, but rather the fact that, after such a procedure, felines need a diet lower in protein and calories, and the amount of food should be smaller. Therefore, it is very important how you feed your cat after spaying or neutering.
How to feed your cat correctly
For your pet to be healthy, lively, and at a normal weight for its age, sex, and breed, it is very important to follow certain simple rules regarding the food you provide. Among the most important of these are the following:
- feed your cat according to age - kitten, adult cat, or senior (over eight years old); 👉 HERE you can see all our CAT FOOD offers;
- consult with the veterinarian - to ensure that the food you give your cat is appropriate for its needs, it is advisable to consult with the veterinarian;
- maintain a balanced diet - don't give your cat only dry or wet food; try to maintain a balance, depending on its needs; every cat is unique;
- read the product instructions - always read the product instructions to know the correct quantities to give, how often you should feed your cat, and what the food contains (make sure your pet is not allergic to anything or doesn't have a condition that prevents it from consuming certain foods);
- do not give your cat vegan or vegetarian food - the cat is a predator; it is genetically built to consume meat; therefore, meat cannot be absent from a cat's diet, as it provides the necessary protein.
What a cat eats
An adult cat, between one and eight years old, needs food once or twice a day, while seniors (over eight years old) require special food, lower in protein and with a balanced content of minerals and vitamins. With age, nutritional needs decrease, so if you don't want an obese cat, don't give it the same amount of food as when it was young.
To maintain good health, it is advisable to follow the veterinarian's recommendations and use approved products suitable for its age, breed, or special needs (if it has diabetes, kidney problems, allergies, etc.). Specialists say that it is not wrong to give your cat home-cooked food occasionally, but only as a reward for doing something special. Don't make a habit of feeding it this way, because you cannot control the amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals it needs. Also, try to prepare the food specifically for the cat (for example, boiled chicken without bones or cooked fish) and do not give it leftovers from your meal.
Although they are carnivorous animals, there are also some vegetables that are suitable for cats, with the mention that they should not be predominant in their diet. These include: carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, or spinach.
Depending on the veterinarian's recommendations, in addition to the usual diet, you can also offer your cat supplements. 👉 HERE you can see all our CAT SUPPLEMENT offers.
How to feed a kitten
Proper nutrition is essential for a kitten to develop normally and be healthy. For this, it is good to take into account certain recommendations:
- 0-4 months - its main food should be its mother's milk, because it provides, among other things, the antibodies it needs to protect itself from infections; if you don't have this possibility, choose the appropriate substitute for its breed;
- 4-6 and a half months - it should start eating solid food, especially canned food; gradually, water can be introduced into its diet;
- 8-10 weeks - it can already eat any solid food and drink water without problems;
- offer only kitten food - kitten food is different from adult food; it has more calories and protein, is rich in amino acids, contains more calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A and D;
- little and often - kittens have small stomachs and need a lot of energy, so feed them often and in small amounts; check their bowls and replace old food with fresh food four times a day.
On the other hand, it is very important to avoid giving the kitten certain foods/drinks, such as:
- raw meat or liver - may contain dangerous parasites and bacteria;
- raw eggs - may contain Salmonella and negatively affect the absorption of vitamin B, which can lead to dermatological problems and an unhealthy-looking coat;
- raw fish - can lead to vitamin B deficiency, which means loss of appetite, seizures, and even death;
- milk - can cause diarrhea;
- toxic foods - onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, raisins are toxic to cats.
Why the cat gained weight
Weight gain is a classic problem among cat lovers. However, if you identify the cause or causes, as there can be several simultaneously, you can manage the situation efficiently. Here's what might be behind this situation:
- age - with age, cats are no longer as active, have less energy, and therefore need fewer calories; older cats are prone to obesity;
- breed - some breeds, such as mixed breeds, tend to accumulate weight faster than what is normal for their size;
- sex - females tend to gain more weight than males;
- medical problems - very rarely, weight gain can be caused by certain treatments for various medical conditions;
- spaying/neutering - it is not a cause in itself, but you must consider that once performed, the feline needs fewer calories; therefore, it is very much up to you to ensure a balanced diet.
Why the cat is not eating and losing weight
Many cat owners are worried about their cats gaining too much weight, but unintentional weight loss can also be a problem, as it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Depending on the cause of the cat's significant weight loss, you may notice that it no longer has the same appetite or, on the contrary, it eats normally but does not feel well. According to WebMD specialists, the causes are multiple. It could be due to:
- anxiety, stress, depression - too loud noises, a dirty bowl, food placed near the litter box, the disappearance of another pet, a change in routine, all can cause anxiety, stress, or depression, and the cat loses its appetite;
- cancer - as in humans, this disease can be a cause of sudden weight loss; the cat loses its appetite, becomes lethargic, and hides;
- diabetes - if your cat suffers from diabetes, it may vomit frequently; these are signs that it does not want to eat, excessive thirst, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, sweet-smelling breath; therefore, it is important to provide it with appropriate food for its condition, so 👉 HERE you will find all types of VETERINARY DIET FOOD FOR CATS you need;
- feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) - the viral infection often manifests as fever that does not respond to treatment, loss of appetite, weight loss;
- gastrointestinal problems - inflamed intestines, food allergies, other gastric infections can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and refusal to eat;
- other causes - intestinal parasites, organs that no longer function correctly, such as the kidneys, hyperthyroidism, toothaches.
How to recognize signs of poisoning in cats
Lilies (stamens, flowers, water from the vase), chrysanthemums (if they eat the flowers), irises, peonies, ivy, poppies, cornflowers are just some of the plants poisonous to cats, but they are not the only causes for which your feline can become intoxicated. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, you tend to use many disinfectants and cleaning products. Beware! These can contain harmful substances for your male or female cat, especially if it's a kitten, if it's elderly, or if it suffers from an allergy, for example. If you notice any of the signs below and especially if they persist, call the veterinarian immediately:
- exaggerated thirst;
- confusion;
- lack of coordination of movements;
- excessive salivation;
- difficulty breathing;
- seizures;
- violent vomiting.
How to identify and manage health problems
Especially during this period, when you cannot go to the veterinary clinic, it is important to correctly identify and manage any health problems your cat may have. Below, you will find what is recommended to do in some of the most common situations that may arise:
Why your cat suffers from itchy skin
Itchy skin can cause your cat complete discomfort, so it shouldn't be ignored. While mild infections and fleas can be treated without problems, allergies or other conditions can be difficult challenges. However, if you consult a veterinarian, you will solve these problems as well, even if you cannot physically go to the clinic. Such manifestations can be caused, among other things, by:
- atopic dermatitis (skin allergies);
- allergies to certain foods;
- bacterial skin infections;
- fungal infections of the epidermis;
- lice, fleas, ticks;
- immune system problems;
- reactions to certain medications.
Why your cat is vomiting
Vomiting is one of the most common problems in cats and can occur for several reasons, such as:
- it ate something inedible - the leaves of a poisonous plant, hairballs, cables, carpets, all seem very interesting to your cat, until it chews on them and then gets sick;
- an infection - it can be any type of infection, vomiting being one of the ways the cat's body tries to fight it;
- urinary tract conditions - among the frequent diseases of cats are those related to the urinary tract; sometimes, these can lead to vomiting;
- diabetes - if your cat suffers from diabetes, it may vomit frequently;
- hairballs - the cat grooms itself all day and swallows a lot of hair; one of the reasons a cat vomits can be the presence of these hairballs.
Episodes of vomiting can occur suddenly and not last very long. However, if it happens frequently, the cat becomes dehydrated, and there are other symptoms, such as fever and diarrhea, then seek the recommendations of a veterinarian.
Why diarrhea occurs in cats
If healthy, your cat has a daily bowel movement that should be dark brown, neither too hard nor too soft or sticky, and should not smell very bad. Diarrhea is common in cats and has multiple causes. Sometimes it manifests as a single episode and passes, in which case you don't even need to worry. However, if it lasts for days, weeks, months, or recurs at certain intervals, then it's a good idea to consult a veterinarian. Diarrhea that lasts 24-48 hours generally won't cause problems, unless it's a kitten or an elderly cat. If it lasts longer, it can lead to dehydration and can be dangerous. Among the main causes of diarrhea are:
- change in diet;
- food allergies or intolerances;
- inflammatory bowel disease;
- colitis;
- intestinal worms or parasites;
- pancreatic diseases;
- cancer;
- hyperthyroidism.
Seek veterinary attention immediately if the diarrhea is black or bloody, if it is accompanied by fever, vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Cat behavior - how to get along well with it
Regardless of whether it's your first time caring for a cat or you've been doing it for years, it's very important to observe it carefully, because beyond the fact that it tries to communicate with you, certain behavioral changes can indicate signs of a mild or serious medical condition. It is also essential to understand how your cat adapts to the environmental conditions in which it has to live. This way, you won't panic unnecessarily and you'll know how to act in time when it's really necessary.
Why your cat exhibits aggressive behavior
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the causes of such behavior are numerous and may relate to several situations, such as:
- sexual instincts - unneutered males sometimes become aggressive in searching for partners and marking their territory; usually, this type of aggression is directed towards other males, not towards humans;
Why cats purr
When you live with a cat, especially if it's an older cat and not very responsive, you participate in very interesting dialogues. Paradoxically, although it is one of the most common sounds cats make, purring is harder to decipher than hissing, meowing, howling, or chirping. Cats use purring to communicate other emotions, and even needs they have at a given moment.
Although you will never know exactly why your cat purrs, studies have shown over time that, depending on the situation, it might want to convey a message, such as:
- "Yes! I'm happy!" - if the cat is relaxed, lying on its back, with its eyes half-closed and tail almost motionless, its purr is a sign that it is happy;
- "I'm hungry!" or "Pay attention to me, now, because I want something from you!" - cats' purrs are not always the same; there are several tonalities, practically a language of its own through which your fur ball wants to tell you something; some cats purr when they are hungry or want something from you, but the pleasant sound, like a motor, is also accompanied by a meow, which resembles a baby's cry;
- "Mommy, I'm fine" or "Lullaby, mommy's little one" - kittens a few days old can purr to probably tell their mothers that they are fine; the mother cat can use this sound as a lullaby;
- "I'm trying to calm down" or "I'm trying to heal faster" - purring can be a sign that something is hurting your cat and, like babies who suck their thumb to calm down, it purrs to control the negative emotion caused by pain; according to experts at WebMD, cats also use purring to heal faster when they are injured, have undergone surgery, need to strengthen their bones and muscles, or regulate their breathing.
How much a cat sleeps
Generally, a cat can sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day (the average is 15 hours), but if you have a kitten or an older cat, it may need up to 20 hours of sleep. Because it is a predator, it is more active between sunset and the early hours of the morning. Therefore, it will not miss the opportunity to investigate and cause all sorts of mischief exactly when you are sleeping. Once it has had breakfast, however, you will see that it will sleep. It is worth mentioning that the cat is a very easily adaptable animal, and even if it will always try to dictate your schedule, you can still teach it to leave you alone at 5 in the morning when it wants breakfast. Prepare its bowl the night before and maybe "trick" it into not meowing in the middle of the night.
Remember that a cat's sleep is similar to human sleep. That is, there are periods when it will doze and times when it will sleep deeply. When it sleeps "with one eye open," so to speak, or "like a rabbit," it will stay for 15-30 minutes in a position that allows it to jump from its spot and act at any moment, if necessary. Deep sleep phases do not last more than five minutes, after which it returns to light sleep.
How to train your cat to use the litter box
Most of the time, the cat comes into your home with the habit already learned from its mother, and even if it's not the case, it has a very strong instinct to bury "evidence" after it has done its business. However, in some cases, you have to teach it how to use the litter box. Here are some recommendations:
- place the litter box in the appropriate spot - place the litter box in an easily accessible area that offers privacy; if it feels too exposed, the cat might not feel safe using it;
- choose a standard litter box - some cats are very sensitive to smells and textures and will not use a litter box they feel is "strange"; to avoid this, especially at first, choose a standard, odorless model, after which you can experiment with other types of litter boxes once the cat is fully familiar with using the litter box;
- choose an extra litter box - the basic rule is to have one litter box for each cat; so, if you have two cats, you need three litter boxes;
- let it get familiarized - show it the litter box as soon as it arrives in your home and make it stand in it; let it examine it, smell it; do not move the location of the litter box, so as not to create confusion in the feline's mind;
- create routines - take the cat to the litter box after meals or after a nap; if you see it starting to prepare the ground in another area of the house, pick it up and take it to the litter box;
- offer rewards - in the learning process, the cat needs appreciation; give it a small reward, such as dry food or a toy, when you see it making progress; this way, it will make positive associations with using the litter box; later, you will have to train it not to expect food every time it does its business where it should; see our category of ▶️ CAT TREATS;
- do not scold it for accidents - do not punish or scold it for accidents, because you will stress it and create anxiety; cats do not associate punishment with the deed they have done, so it is useless to do that;
- clean the litter box frequently - the litter box must always be clean, which means cleaning it at least once a day; the litter box hygiene routine will also help you realize if the appearance of the cat's urine or stool changes, which could indicate some health problems;
- pay attention if the cat defecates outside the litter box - sometimes, the cat or tomcat may urinate outside the litter box, although it does not usually do that; before blaming a dirty litter box or the feline's rebellious behavior, make an online appointment with the vet; a change in this once-learned habit can mean a urinary tract infection or other medical or non-medical problems.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining social distancing is an important weapon in the fight against the spread of the new type of coronavirus. Therefore, you are forced to stay home more often. Your cat is not used to your presence so much around it, so it might feel slightly stressed. Especially in these conditions, it is important to be correctly informed and to know how to take care of it, regardless of the situation.
Photo source: Shutterstock
MOST RECENT POSTS
Share
